Christmastime in Alaska is special. Even though we may be grumbling about the mere inches of snow we have on the ground this year, we usually don’t face the problem of “It just doesn’t feel like Christmas; it’s too warm and green!” This morning we awoke to trees frosted over, reaching icy fingers high into the pale blue sky. The air is clean and refreshing, as always, and the sun peaks through the distant clouds on the horizon for only an hour or two some days, illuminating the sparkles that coat nature.
I truly love this time of year. The older I get, the less I need the festivities and traditions and glitz, and the more I relish the family time and the chance to quietly reflect on my blessings. This year we have truly been blessed. We live in a wonderful community in the middle of awe-inspiring scenery. My husband finished engineering school, and I am SO proud of him and all his hard work. Our twins are growing (and pushing my belly out fast) and we get more and more excited every day to have them in our arms when the time comes.
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Also, my first traditionally published book was released last week! Treasures of a Childlike Heart is heartwarming and sure to bring a few chuckles and smiles. I joyfully wrote of my simple childhood days in the country and found a creative way to honor the legacy of my wonderful mom, who is greatly missed. If this appeals to you and you need a good book for cozy winter evenings, visit my book page for more info on how to order a copy!
As I’ve been writing this post, I’ve watched the shimmery treetops go from dazzling white to golden to pink, and now the light only remains on the clouds and not on the trees or land. The sun has just set, and we in Anchorage are in the middle of several days of five and a half hours between sunrise to sunset each day. Most Alaskans do not actually live in places that experience days, weeks, or months of the sun not rising. Only villages above the Arctic Circle get that, and the vast majority of the state lives below that latitude.
What I’ve discovered about the “darkness” of winter in Alaska is that it is not as dark as outsiders think. I recognize that I live in the outskirts of a city with much more light than a really rural area, but here’s the amazing thing: the snow makes mornings and evenings so much lighter, even when the sun is down. I was reminded of this when my husband and I visited family in Oregon last year. After we were picked up from the airport, we rode along some country roads, and I couldn’t believe how truly dark my surroundings were! It was as if the boggy green fields were quicksand for light rays. No soft snow covered the trees, roofs, or land; the glowing lights of houses and cars had nothing to reflect on. But in Alaska the light from homes, the moon, or any other source bounces off anything covered with snow. Plus, many families put white or colored lights on the outsides of their homes (not just for Christmas), so I find evenings to actually be rather cheery.
From our growing family to yours, we wish you a merry solstice and a joyous Christmas!
From our growing family to yours, we wish you a merry solstice and a joyous Christmas!
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